Tuesday, January 26, 2010

For the year of 2010, I've made a list of about 30 books I plan on reading. I'm sure the list with change and shift as new books are published or something comes along that I simply have to read. The list is a mix of both classic and contemporary theology, classic and contemporary novels, philosophy, youth ministry, and church leadership. Here's what I'm reading now:

I and Thou (Martin Buber): A Jewish philosopher from the early 20th century, Buber's philosophy of dialogue on how we interact with one another has been a challenging read for me. It's one of those books that forces you to reread each paragraph to mine the depths of what he is saying. There is an I-It relationship and an I-Thou relationship, and the only way we can fully relate to God is through I-Thou, unencumbered and fully present.

Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision (N.T. Wright): One of the most articulate and engaging theologians of our day, Wright's book is a response to John Piper's book critique of Wright's views on justification and Paul's teachings. Being only halfway through Wright's book and not being entirely familiar with the debate about the New Perspective on Pauline theology, it's been a fascinating read on a current theological debate and caused me to reevaluate my own views on salvation and the atoning work of Christ.

Counterfeit Gods (Tim Keller): Keller is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Tackling the concept of idolatry in a contemporary context, from money to sex to power, Keller writes with grace and clarity. Every chapter requires a spiritual gut-check, a reevaluation of my own heart and the idols that may reside there. Every chapter also directly points to the Gospel and how only Christ can redeem us from idolatry, offering meaning and hope through His atoning work and grace. The book is relatively short, but filled with spiritual insight that walks the tightrope of grace and truth. Powerful. I'm planning on reading through both of Keller's previous books, The Prodigal God and The Reason for God.